Cost of living in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen, located in the remote Svalbard archipelago of Norway, is known for its unique Arctic environment and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this northernmost settlement is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Longyearbyen, from dining and groceries to housing and utilities, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19.02 on average, with a range between $18.03 and $20.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)Domestic beer costs around $6.4, with prices ranging from $4.87 to $7.93.
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)Imported beer is priced at $4.87 on average.
- CappuccinoA regular cappuccino costs between $4.87 and $7, averaging $5.93.
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $2.2 and $4.87, averaging $3.23.
- Water (0.33 liter bottle)A small bottle of water costs between $2.64 and $4.42, averaging $3.4.
Grocery Prices
- MilkMilk is priced between $2.16 and $3.14 per liter, averaging $2.65.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $4.51.
- Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.88 to $6.8, averaging $4.55.
- Local Cheese (1kg)Local cheese costs between $8.03 and $10.82 per kg, averaging $9.43.
- Water (1.5 liter bottle)A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs between $0.52 and $0.62, averaging $0.57.
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)A mid-range bottle of wine costs between $11.72 and $12.62, averaging $12.17.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg)Chicken fillets are priced at $12.05 per kg.
- Apples (1kg)Apples cost between $2.62 and $3.19 per kg, averaging $2.9.
- Oranges (1kg)Oranges range from $2.62 to $3.05 per kg, averaging $2.83.
- Potatoes (1kg)Potatoes are priced between $2.08 and $3.66 per kg, averaging $2.87.
- Lettuce (1 head)A head of lettuce costs between $1.05 and $2.36, averaging $1.7.
- Tomatoes (1kg)Tomatoes range from $3.14 to $5.41 per kg, averaging $4.14.
- Bananas (1kg)Bananas cost between $2.62 and $2.91 per kg, averaging $2.76.
- Onions (1kg)Onions are priced between $2.5 and $3.66 per kg, averaging $3.08.
- Beef Round (1kg)Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $33.28 per kg.
Transportation
- Gasoline (1 liter)Gasoline is priced between $1.3 and $1.92 per liter, averaging $1.83.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)The starting fare for a taxi is $4.96.
- Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)The cost per kilometer in a taxi ranges from $0.88 to $1.8, averaging $1.05.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $400 to $901.61, averaging $644.25.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $62.89 and $68.42, averaging $66.49.
- InternetInternet services cost $43.46.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$19.02
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.40
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.87
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.40
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.93
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.65
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$4.51
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.55
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.43
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.57
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.17
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.87
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.06
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.05
Apples (1kg)
$2.90
Oranges (1kg)
$2.83
Potato (1kg)
$2.87
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.70
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.93
Tomato (1kg)
$4.14
Banana (1kg)
$2.76
Onion (1kg)
$3.08
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$33.28
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.83
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.96
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.05
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$644.25
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$66.49
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$43.46
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$45.08
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$45.08
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$10.84
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$20.93
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$50.00
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$10,165.87
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$5,232.34
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,365.77
Worldwide
Norway
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Norway are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Norway, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
